A/N – This story is collaborative effort between me and my friend Jennifer (Gullofthesea). This story was her idea and I was fortunate enough to be a part of it.
All of the characters etc. belong to JK Rowling with the exceptions of Jenny Prewett and Alex MacCrimmon, they belong to GulloftheSea
Early-mid July
The auburn-haired witch sat in her little garden rocking softly in a swing as she read a letter:
Jenny - Well, you sounded better in your last letter. I guess you are getting excited about your 2nd year teaching? At least you know what to expect right? I am happy to hear that you and Luna are still rooming together - nice to have someone from home with you. Is that Scottish bloke coming back to teach as well? What's his name? Alan? He seemed to be a nice distraction for you, but you haven't mentioned much about him this summer.
By the way, I leave in a few days for home. I can't believe you are missing Ginny & Oliver's wedding. You know how much Ginny wants you there and in the wedding! It really won't be the same without you. I was counting on you being there to help me get through the dreaded two weeks. Now who am I going to be paired with? I am the only single Weasley left. I'm sure our mums will have a field day with that.
Nothing much has changed over here. Same old thing each day. I just make myself get out of bed in the morning and go through the motions. It has to get easier at some point right?
Still can't believe you're not going to be in England when I get there...
Charlie
She smiled bitterly as she read the last few lines, then pulled out a portable quill and parchment set:
Charlie,
Ay, dear cuz, I know you must hate me for not coming back... I just have too much going on here, getting ready for classes and such. I wish I could see you, you should come visit. I miss you and Ginny like mad, but I'm just swamped with lesson plans.
Alex went home for a few weeks, but he got back a few days ago and I've seen him twice since. He's a good friend.
I am sure that Ginny won't pair you with anyone obnoxious, no worries. As for our mothers... well, yes, them you should worry about! I'll send Ginny a new potion I discovered over here, it should make them a bit more-erm-mellow. I'll be thinking of you all...
As for the pain... I've been told it eases over time. Let me know if it does for you, it definitely hasn't over on my end. But nothing lasts forever, right?
Let me know how the wedding goes.
Love,
Jenny
A few weeks later....
"Hello, Jenny," a soft Scottish brogue broke her quiet reverie.
She looked up, startled, dropping the bit of parchment she had been studying. "Oh, hello Alex."
"What are ye reading?" he dropped onto the bench beside her, blue eyes curious.
"Just a letter from my cousin," she smiled at him, leaning forward to pick it up.
"And what does yer beloved cousin say this week?" he asked, a gentle smile touching his lips.
"Oh, not that cousin," she shook my head, "It's her older brother, Charlie."
He placed a finger on his lips thoughtfully, eyes narrowing, "And why is this cousin writing ye now out of the blue?"
"That, Professor MacCrimmon, is none of your business." she frowned at him and stood quickly, "If you'll excuse me." she started to walk off, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her.
"Och, lass, I dinna mean to pry," his accent deepened when he was concerned, "I was only teasing ye, ye know how I feel about ye..."
She closed her eyes in pain, "I do, Alex, please just let it be. We'll talk later." she placed a hand on his briefly, then walked on until she found a secluded corner to read the letter again:
Jenny-I missed you at Ginny's Wedding. I'm sorry you couldn't take off from school to make it. I hope that was the real reason and it wasn't because of Harry. I rarely make it home; it would have just been brilliant to see you!
So, while I was home, I met a girl from your year, your house actually. Maisse Pottinger. She and Ginny have become close over the past two years. She and I were paired up for the wedding. We spent a lot of time together - actually shut down the Leaky Cauldron one night! Well, we've been writing regularly since I got home. I really like this girl, Jenny. I didn't think about Zina for almost the entire time I was in England. It was nice.
Well, anyway, I hope to see Maisse soon. Who knows, maybe it'll be in the states and I'll get to see my favorite cousin!
So, what's going on with you? School? How's your flatmate, Luna? Any new love interests... I am telling you, it is healthy to move on. Feels good!
I miss your letters Jenny, please write soon.-Charlie
She sighed, wiping a tear away, then tucked the letter in her robes.
"Professor Prewett?" a tentative voice asked.
She cleared her throat, "Yes?" she turned to see, ironically, Maisse's little sister Gwen staring at her with dark eyes.
"I was wondering if I could ask you a question about our Ancient Runes assignment."
"Yes, of course," she nodded; Charlie's response would have to wait.
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After classes finally got out Jenny walked home to the little house she rented with Luna. The cool early autumn air was heavenly to her aching head. She hadn't been able to stop thinking about Charlie's letter all day. Why did he have to mention Harry? She rubbed her temples; I was doing so well... I hadn't thought about him in ages... she rolled her eyes, since when I woke up this morning at least. He haunted her dreams every night, his shy smile... his brilliant green eyes that always lit up when he saw her. Stop it, she scolded herself, you are the one who left. But I wanted him to come with me... he chose them over me. I don't know what I would do without Alex, he's been so sweet... taking me out, but just as friends... not pressuring me at all.
Finally the little Victorian came into view and she sighed in relief. The lights were blazing which meant Luna was already home. She walked up the steps, gently brushing a hand over the lilac bushes by the door, smiling at the fairies sparkling on the leaves. She opened the door, "Luna? I'm home." she called out.
"Hello, Jenny," Luna leaned out of the kitchen, blonde hair piled way up high, wand over her ear. "I was just finishing up making dinner," she blew a stray strand of hair out of her eyes.
"I need to go write a quick note," she said, "I'll be back down in a few minutes." Jenny hurried up the stairs to her room. She sat down at her little writing desk and spread Charlie's letter out, then grabbed a fresh piece of parchment. She stared at it for a moment before dipping her quill in ink:
Charlie-Greetings dear cuz! I am sorry I missed Ginny's wedding, but I just couldn't get away from school. Alright, alright, I can see you shake your head from here... it may have a wee bit to do with Harry... but worry not, cuz, I only think of him on days that end in Y.
I am so glad to hear that you finally found someone wonderful. Maisse is an amazing girl, quite brilliant in many ways. She is an excellent match for you, actually, now that I think on it... and I couldn't be more pleased. Keep me updated!
Things are going well, I love it here, it's so incredibly beautiful here. The sunsets are spectacular over the mountains, the ocean is as gorgeous as always... but the Pacific has a different tang than the Atlantic. I think that I have found my place in the world, Charlie; I love it here so much. I enjoy my job, the students are a handful, but I love every minute. As for new love interests... Alex is still very attentive... I'm just not sure I'm ready. He is very sweet though, and his charming Scottish brogue reminds me of summers with my grandparents. Maybe I'll finally let him take me out on a proper date like he wants.
Love--Jenny
She smiled and rolled up the bit of parchment tightly, then called to her owl, "Ready for a trip, Gawain, love?" the Southern White-faced owl hooted softly, "Take it to Charlie, you know the way. See you in a few days!" She opened the window and watched him fly away. Maybe it really is time for a new beginning...
